Vittoria

Vittoria, known by day as the male Vittorio, was an Italian artist's apprentice who lived during the late 15th century. Vittoria disguised herself as a male to pursue a career in art, and she later became a lover of Pope Alexander VI after he discovered her gender.

Biography
Vittoria was born in Rome, Papal States, and she disguised herself as a male in order to work at a studio as an artist's apprentice, serving the master of Bramante. She used the male version of her name, "Vittorio", as her alter ego, and she wore a wig. Vittoria worked in Rome during the 1490s, and she took part in Pope Alexander VI's "revival" of Rome by moving Roman artwork into the Vatican. In 1495, the Pope discovered her true gender and became her lover, and the Pope's mistress Giulia Farnese befriended Vittoria with the goal of keeping the Pope's favor. Vittoria also proved useful when she helped Cesare Borgia with his ruse to ensure that the French and Sforza forces did not assault Rome, as she devised a plan to build 95 plaster cannons and mount them on the walls to create an illusion for the French. The plan saved Rome from sacking, and Borgia would be hailed as a hero. Cesare Borgia also found out about Vittoria's true identity, and he trusted her, knowing that she could keep a secret.